Diabetes self-management education (DSME) provides a valuable opportunity for individuals living with diabetes to gain the knowledge, skills, and motivation to effectively manage their condition, and thereby avoid or postpone the onset of serious and costly complications. However, reports from providers, educators, and patients like Joan indicate that the costs associated with DSME may be acting as a significant deterrent to participation in the program.

In this white paper, the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation (CHLPI) at Harvard Law School therefore examines the role of DSME in diabetes treatment and whether the reduction or elimination of cost-sharing obligations associated with DSME would be a cost-effective strategy for increasing program enrollment. Based upon the findings of recent cost-benefit analyses, the authors conclude that insurers should provide coverage of DSME with little or no cost-sharing in order to both improve patient health and curb costs.